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Charlie & Debbie

2 Of Yelp’s Best Apple Picking Spots In The Country Are In North Carolina

Author Debbie Nance

I can’t wait for Fall and cooler weather, pumpkins and of course, apple everything. Yelp tells us where to go for the best apple picking in the country. And, it’s not surprising 2 of Yelp’s spots for best apple picking in the country are in North Carolina.

Yelp assembled 25 spots for the best apple picking in the country courtesy of the reviews from the Yelp community. And, they have spoken with helpful tips on where to go for gems with the best ciders, apple cider doughnuts, pies and even fried apple biscuits and apple butter. So, where can you go in The Tarheel State for the best apple picking in the country?

Best Apple Picking In The Country North Carolina

Coming in at number 9 on Yelp’s list is The Orchard at Altapass in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Yelper’s praise the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Plus, they offer walking trails, hayrides, a butterfly garden and a restaurant on site.

In fact, one Yelp review of places for the best apple picking in the country applauded The Orchard at Altapass for the warm apple pie with ice cream as “phenomenal.” And, the live music was a definite plus.

And, coming in at number 25 to finish out Yelp’s spots for best apple picking in the country, it’s Sky Top Orchard in Zirconia, North Carolina. This spot is described as a family owned and operated U-pick apple orchard. Sky Top offers up 22 varieties of apples, mountain views, ponds, ducks, geese, peacocks and more.

Yelpers praise the apple cider and cider slushes, as well as hand pies and fresh kettle corn. And, reviewers say it’s great for kids and of course, photo ops. Sky Top is open 9 to 6 daily. Check their site for more info.

My Pick For Best Apple Picking In The Country: South Carolina

So, that’s the North Carolina spots that made Yelp’s best apple picking in the country. But, I want to mention one in South Carolina that gets rave reviews from everyone I know. It’s Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill on Black Highway in York, South Carolina. They’re known as ‘Home of Everything Apples.’

a cider lineup from windy hill orchard and cider mill as we examine the best apple picking in the country
Alexis Zarycki

Windy Hill Orchard is also family owned and operated, producing Hard Cider, offering opportunities to Pick Your Own Apples and sample fresh made apple products. The friends I know who swear by Windy Hill go on and on about their apple cider doughnuts. Windy Hill opens mid August each year, and, you can visit until Christmas.

The Windy Hill story began with Fritz and Catherine Gusmer who grew up on cider in New Jersey. And, after moving to South Carolina in 1978 they set out to make a true apple cider doughnut made from the pressed cider from their very own apples. This quest gave birth to the spot we all love today.

See their website and socials for all the details, hours and directions to Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill. It’s one of my picks for the best apple picking in the country. But, take a look around at Yelp’s full list to see all their suggestions. Happy picking!

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.

North Carolina Spot Makes List of the Best Apple Cider in the U.S.

Apple cider season is here. There’s just something special about having apple cider in the fall. You can have it any season, but it just tastes better in the fall. What’s more, if it’s chilly out, it’s extra delicious to have hot apple cider with a dash of cinnamon. So, what are some spots with the best apple cider in the U.S.?

Before we get to today’s apple cider, let’s look at some of the interesting history of apple cider. According to Washington State University, the very “first recorded references to cider date back to Roman times,” and, “in 55 BCE Julius Caesar found the Celtic Britons fermenting cider from native crabapples. The people of northern Spain were making sidra before the birth of Christ.” That’s so wild to think about.

Moreover, according to SmithsonianMag.com, “Evidence of apple trees growing along the banks to the Nile River can be found dating back to about 1300 B.C., but there’s no evidence that ancient Egyptians ever used them for cider. However, considering how much the Egyptians enjoyed beer (and that they were one of the first cultures to brew it), they did have some notion of the joys of fermenting alcoholic beverages.”

In other words, apple cider dates back a long, long time. In fact, apples are as old as time, really. Remember the Biblical story where Eve at the apple? There you have it. Even though apples are very ancient, the way that we eat them today is not. There are so many different ways to enjoy apples and apple cider in the fall. With that in mind, let’s get into the best apple cider in the U.S. What’s your favorite spot to get local apple cider? Reach out to us on social media and give us your picks.

North Carolina Spot Makes List for the Best Apple Cider in the U.S.

  • Linvilla Orchards in Pennsylvania

    Linvilla Orchards is located in Media, Pennsylvania, about 30 minutes south of Philadelphia. It’s a favorite local spot to get apple cider every fall. In addition to apple cider, Linvilla has their legendary Apple Cider Doughnuts. Oh, my.

    Linvilla Orchards

    Linvilla Orchards is a 300-acre family farm dedicated to agriculture, entertainment and education. A trip to Linvilla creates family memories that last a lifetime. Come visit and experience all of the things that make Linvilla Orchards special.

  • Franklin Cider Mill in Michigan

    If you haven’t tried the honey crisp apple cider at Franklin Cider Mill, then you haven’t experienced fall. This cider mill, located in Bloomfield Hills, is close to Detroit. It’s a super fun spot for fall activities.

    Home - Franklin Cider Mill

    The Franklin Cider Mill is a one-of-a-kind piece of history. We take pride in our family-friendly atmosphere and strive to provide exceptional service.

  • Mercier Orchards in Georgia

    Mercier Orchards are a fourth generation family and veteran-owned and operated apple orchard. They were founded back in 1943. They offer amazing cider, as well as other fresh treats, such as baked goods and fruit. They’re located in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

    Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge Georgia

    We are a world famous farm and orchard founded in 1943. We offer fresh baked goods, hard cider, wine, market items, and fruit U-Pick events.

  • Bedner's Farm Fresh Market in Florida

    “Our mission at Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market is to bring our customers a variety of locally grown produce,” Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market states on their social media pages. Located in Boynton Beach, Florida, this spot is known for its great cider and the annual Bedner’s Fall Festival.

    Bedner's Farm Fresh Market

    Our Mission at Bedner's Farm Fresh Market is to bring our customers a variety of locally grown produce that is tasty, yet affordable. When you shop at Bedner's,...

  • Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in North Carolina

    You’ll find delicious, fresh cider at Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in Morganton, North Carolina. They, of course, make their own cider by pressing their fresh apples and turning it into yummy cider. They even offer it hot or as a slushie.

    Apple Picking | Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill | United States

    Apple Hill Orchard, a pick your own orchard located between Charlotte and Asheville. Our Farm Market is filled with apples, cider donuts, baked goods and more!

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